All flour is
purchased in exchange for flesh, while flesh is also necessary for food;
thus the cow is being eaten at both ends.
"The frightful drain upon the country may be imagined by
the following calculation, which is certainly below the truth: -
"If 1,000 loads of ivory must be carried to Ismailia,
2,000 cows are required as payment of carriers;
To capture in a razzia 3,000 cows,
1000 belong to the brigands as their perquisite;
300 are necessary to feed the native carriers and soldiers
_____ during the journey;
3,300 cows are required to deliver 1,000 loads of ivory a
distance of 165 miles, from Fatiko to Ismailia (Gondokoro).
A station of 350 men consumes
daily . . . . 700 lbs.
In addition, they require to
exchange for flour . . . . 350 lbs.
- - -
Daily consumption of flesh . . 1,050 lbs.
"The oxen of the country do not average more
than 170 lbs. cleaned.
2,255 beasts are thus required annually.
- - -
5,555 oxen are necessary to feed and pay for the transport
from a station only 350 strong; according to the
customs of White Nile brigandage.
"It must be remembered that at least a thousand, and sometimes double
that number of slaves, are prisoners in each station. All these must be
fed. The same principle is adopted in the exchange of flesh for flour;
thus the expenditure of cattle is frightful.
